Covering supporting head frame



1964 B. Y. BRUNELLE COVERING SUPPORTING HEAD FRAME Filed May 5, 1961 INVENTOR FIG. 11 BEATR/CE X BRUA/ELLE BY H52 ATTORNEYS HARE/5, K/EcH, RUSSELL d KE N United States Patent 3,156,925 COVERING SUPPORTlNG HEAD FRAME Beatrice Y. Brunelle, 5165 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles 29, Calif. Filed May 5, 1961, Ser. No. 168,165 Claims. (Cl. 2-180) The present invention relates generally to the millinery art and more particularly to a novel head frame for supporting scarves and other types of head coverings in a manner which minimizes the disturbance of the wearers coiffure.

Briefly stated, one form of the present invention 1ncludes a lower annular head-encircling member and an upper annular member which are maintained in spacedapart relationship by a plurality of supporting members. Each of the annular members preferably contains overlapping ends which are removably connected together in size-adjusting relationship, whereby, when the ends are disconnected, the device can be rolled into a tight assembly for storage purposes. Means may also be provided for removably fastening a substantially rigid head covering member or a scarf to the upper annular member.

At the present time many women and older girls spend considerable time, effort and money in obtaining and preserving the proper hair coiffure which is then in vogue. Consequently, they do not wish to have their hair buffeted by the wind and yet they do not wish to wear a hat or a scarf over their heads which will press down or adversely affect their coiffures.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novel head frame which can be used for supporting a scarf or other type of head covering without unduly disturbing the arrangement of the wearers hair. More particularly, it is an object to provide such a device which will support a scarf or the like substantially out of engagement with the wearers hair. Specifically, it is an object to provide a lightweight frame which can be used for supporting a scarf or a coolie-type head covering out of crushing engagement with the wearers hair.

Another object is to provide a head frame for supporting a scarf and the like which can be collapsed when not in use whereby it can be stored in the womans handbag. More particularly, it is an object to provide such a device Which can be easily and quickly unfastened and rolled into a relatively tight annular assembly so as to be of a size which can be conveniently stored in a purse.

A further object is to provide a novel head frame for supporting scarves and other types of head coverings which is relatively inexpensive and which presents a pleasing appearance.

Yet another object is to provide a novel head covering member for use with the aforementioned head frame to provide a hat device.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a novel covering supporting head frame constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 33 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the line 5-5 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of one form of bendable clip used with the device;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a novel head-covering member removably mounted on the head frame;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 99 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line 10--10 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 11--11 in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a covering supporting head frame in which the annular members have been opened and the unit rolled into a tight annular assembly for storage purposes.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 14 indicates generally a novel covering supporting head frame embodying the teachings of the present invention which includes an upper annular member 16 with overlapped ends and a lower annular head encircling member 18 with overlapped ends, said annular members being maintained in vertical spaced-apart relationship by a plurality of spaced vertically extending supporting members 20.

The upper and lower annular members 16 and 18 are similar in construction and each preferably includes a flexible resilient band 22 (FIG. 4) of rectangular cross section which may be made from metal or a plastic material such as polyethylene, and which is encased in a suitable covering 24 such as fabric of a predetermined color.

The ends of the upper annular member 16, which are overlapped, are provided with adjusting collars 26 and 28, each of which comprises a strip 34) (FIG. 2) of bendable material such as metal or a pressed paper with wire 32 embedded therein and encased in a covering 33 of fabric or the like. One end of each collar is fastened to an end of the band 22 so as to extend substantially normal thereto when the collar is extended, e.g. when the device is collapsed for storage as will be described more fully hereinafter. In the assembled or operative position, each of the adjusting collars 26 and 28 encircles and slidably receives the body of the upper annular member 16 whereby the effective diameter or size of the annular member can be adjusted or varied within predetermined limits. It will be readily appreciated that the annular member can be maintained in its selected adjusted position by merely tightening the collars about the body portions thereof. Other types of adjustable fastening means can be employed, as for example, tongues and buckles and various types of snaps, but the aforementioned construction is the preferred one because it is relatively inexpensive, is easy to use, and provides a very neat appearance.

The lower annular head encircling member 18 is of substantially the same construction as the upper member previously described, and is provided with adjustable collars 3 3 and 36, the latter being shown in FIG. 2 in broken lines in the open or extended position.

The vertical supporting members 26) are preferably of the same type of bendable construction as described in relation to the adjustable collars, and each includes an elongated body portion 38 (FIG. 5) of pressed paper or the like in which are embedded metal wires 40. Also, the vertical supporting members 29 are preferably encased in a covering 42 of fabric or the like. The lower end of each of the supporting members 20 may be fastened to the lower annular head encircling member 18, and the upper end thereof looped over the upper annular member 16 and held in position by a band 44 (FIG. 6). The band 44 is also of bendable construction and preferably includes an elongated strap-like body portion 4-5 (R6. 7) of pressed paper or the like in which are embedded metal wires 48 and which is encased in a covering 49 of fabric or the like.

Thus, in order to vary the spacing between the annular members 16 and 18 the wearer merely unwraps the bands 44, bends the upper ends of the supporting members 21 at the proper height or length and rewraps the bands 44- so as to retain the upper ends of said supporting members 20 in their proper position. Again, other types of adjusting means can be employed to vary the vertical spacing between theannular members, but the aforementioned construction is the preferred one because of the economy, ease of operation, and appearance. Furthermore, although the upper ends of the supporting members could befastened to the upper annular member and the lower ends thereof adjustably connected to the lower head-encircling member, it is preferred to have the minimum thickness at the head-encircling member from the standpoint of comfort .to the wearer. It will be noted that because the vertical supporting members are preferably made from bendable material, the upper annular member can be of a diameter or size different from the diameter or size of the lower head-encircling member and the supporting members bent to the proper angle to maintain the annular members in axial alignment or a predetermined axial relationship.

When the frameld is used for supporting a scarf or the like, the wearer adjusts the size and height thereof to match her coiffure (bendingthe supporting member to conform with the hair arrangement) and positions the frame on her head in a predetermined manner. The protective scarf or the like is then draped over the frame and secured in position as by tying the ends thereof under the wearers chin. In this manner, the scarf will protect the wearers hair from the wind and other elements, but will be maintained substantially out of contact with the hair so as not to disturb the coiffure. When the head frame 14 is not in use, the adjusting collars 26, 28, 34 and 36 can be .unrolled so as to'free the overlapped ends of the annular members, and the entire device can then be rolled into a relatively tight annular assembly (FIG. 12) and stored away in a purse or the like.

If desired, the upper annular member 16 can be provided with intersecting, radially extending elements to provide a crown, and the scarf or the like can be fastened to said elements.

In addition to functioning as a supporting means for a scarf or the like, as previously described, the head frame 14 can also be utilized as the base for a head covering member of the coolie hat type. Thus, the upper annular member 16 may be prov-idedwith spaced hook elements 50 (FIGS. 1 and lfilwhich are adapted to engage loops or eye elements 52 contained on the bottom surface ofa substantially rigid head covering member 54. The head covering member 54illustrated FIG. 8 includes a plurality of petal-like elements as which are arranged in superposed radially extending position, and which are preferably of a bendable construction so that the outer ends thereof can be bent and shaped to suit the fancy of the wearer. One type of bendable construction which is suitable for this purpose is a heavy fabric 58 (FIG. 11)

which has a metal wire 60 embedded or sewn into the outer periphery thereof. Obviously, other types of fastening means can be utilized for removably attaching the head covering member to the supporting frame, but, the hook-and-eye construction previously described is especially suitable because such elements are relatively inexpensive and unobtrusive.

The type of bat described has many advantages over existing constructions rill that it is light in weight and cool and is therefore especially suitable for wear in desert communities, and obviously does not adversely affect the wearers coiffure. Other types of head-covering members are also suitable for use with the aforementioned head l.- frarne, including those made from straw, stiff paper, and the like.

It will be readily appreciated that a woman may have several of the aforementioned head frames, each one of a different color to match her dress or accessories. Also, jeweled clips, rhinestones, and other ornamentations can be either permanently or temporarily fastened to the annular members 16 and 18 and to the supporting members 2%. Furthermore, although the annular members and the supporting members are preferably of smooth construction for maximum confort to the wearer, and are preferably encased in fabrics for appearance purposes, said members may be made solely from a plastic material of a suitable color and the members may be of an ornamental design with perforations and cut-outs.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided a novel covering supporting head frame and hat which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing have been given only by way of illustration and example and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.

I claim:

1. A covering supporting head frame, comprising: a lower annular head-encircling member including means for adjusting the effective size thereof; an upper annular member; and a plurality of supporting members of flexible, bendable material interconnecting said annular members in adjustable spaced-apart relationship, each of said supporting members including a lower end fastened to the lower annular member and an upper end encircling the upper annular member in sliding adjustable relationship, the upper end of each of said supporting members being freely bendable at various positions along the length thereof to vary the spacing between the upper and lower annular members.

2. A covering supporting head frame, comprising: a lower annular head-encircling member having overlapped ends which contain bendable tab-like portions encircling the body of said annular member in size adjusting relationship; an upper annular member having overlapped ends which contain bendable tab-like portions encircling the body of said annular member in size adjusting relationship, each of said tab-like portions being'freely bendable about the body of the annular member in varying amounts of tightness whereby when the tab-like portion loosely encircles the body the annular member can be adjusted in size, and when it tightly encircles the body the annular member is maintained in size-adjusted position; and a plurality of supportingmembers of bendable material maintaining said annular members in spacedapart relationship, the lower ends of the supporting members being fastened to the lower annular member and the upper ends thereof encircling'the body of the upper an nular member, the upper end of each of said supporting members being freely bendable at various positions along the length thereof to vary the spacing between the uppe and lower annular members.

3..A covering supporting head frame, comprising: a lower annular head-encircling member having overlapped ends which contain bendable tab-like portions encircling the body of said annular member in size adjusting relationship; an upper annular member having overlapped ends which contain bendable tab-like portions encircling the body of said annular member in size adjusting relationship, each of said tab-like portions'being freely bendable about the body of the annular member in varying amounts of tightness whereby when the tab-like portion loosely encircles the body the annular member can be adjusted in size, and when'it tightly encircles the body the annular member is maintained in size adjusted position; a plurality of supporting members of bendable'material maintaining said annular members in spaced-apart relationship, the lower ends of the supporting members being fastened to the lower annular member and the upper ends thereof being looped over the upper annular member and bent back upon themselves in height adjusting holding engagement therewith, the upper end of each of said supporting members being freely bendable at various positions along the length thereof to vary the spacing between the upper and lower annular members; and removable, bendable collars encircling the bentback upper ends below the upper annular member releasably maintaining said upper ends in holding engage ment with the upper annular member.

4. In combination: a lower annular head-encircling member; an upper annular member; a plurality of bond able vertical members interconnecting said annular mern bers in spaced-apart relationship; and a substantially rigid head covering member rernovably fastened to said upper annular member, each of said vertical members being freely bendable along the full length thereof whereby the same can be shaped to conform with the hair coitiure of the wearer and to adjust the position of the head cover ing relative to the lower annular member.

5. In combination: a lower annular head-encircling member; an upper annular member; a plurality of bond able vertical members interconnecting said annular members in spaced-apart relationship; a plurality of hook-like elements mounted on said upper annular member; and a substantially rigid head covering member having a lower surface provided with eye elements for holding engage- References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 58,329 9/66 White 2-180 666,436 1/81 Pedro 2-180 857,434 6/07 Behringer 2-180 1,656,073 1/28 Nixon 2-185 X 2,111,444 3/38 Bauer 2-197 2,289,379 7/42 Krag 2-175 2,307,713 1/43 Sullivan 2-185 2,442,723 6/48 Economakis 2-185 2,543,855 3/51 Knudson 2-185 2,681,451 6/54 Lipschutz 2-185 2,857,601 10/58 Goldman 2-199 FOREIGN PATENTS 20,938 1899 Great Britain. 1l3,724 2/ 26 Switzerland.

JORDAN FRANKLlN, Primary Examiner.

THOh IAS HICKEY, DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY,

Examiners. 

1. A COVERING SUPPORTING HEAD FRAME, COMPRISING; A LOWER ANNULAR HEAD-ENCIRCLING MEMBER INCLUDING MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE EFFECTIVE SIZE THEREOF; AN UPPER ANNULAR MEMBER; AND A PLURALITY OF SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF FLEXIBLE, BENDABLE MATERIAL INTERCONNECTING SAID ANNULAR MEMBERS IN ADJUSTABLE SPACED-APART RELATIONSHIP, EACH OF SAID SUPPORTING MEMBERS INCLUDING A LOWER END FASTENED TO THE LOWER ANNULAR MEMBER AND AN UPPER END ENCIRCLING THE UPPER ANNULAR MEMBER IN SLIDING ADJUSTABLE RELATIONSHIP, THE UPPER END OF EACH OF SAID SUPPORTING MEMBERS BEING FREELY BENDABLE AT VARIOUS POSITIONS ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF TO VARY THE SPACING BETWEEN THE UPPER AND LOWER ANNULAR MEMBERS. 